As you work to make your website more accessible, assessing your site and implementing remediation strategies are major strides. To take your efforts even further – and clearly showcase your commitment to web inclusivity and alignment with the soon-to-be federally mandated compliance to WCAG 2.1 Level AA standards — a Voluntary Product Accessibility Template (VPAT) can be a powerful tool. This free document outlines how well your site meets accessibility guidelines and offers clear, transparent proof of your progress. Beyond compliance, a VPAT builds trust with staff, clients, and partners who are actively seeking accessible and reliable digital experiences

A key piece of accessibility compliance

With the updated ADA Title II regulations, accessibility is more than a best practice—it’s a legal mandate. Failing to meet web accessibility standards can expose organizations to serious risks: lawsuits, fines, and a loss of trust from users who rely on inclusive digital experiences. In fact, over 4,000 web accessibility lawsuits were filed in 2024 alone. That’s where a VPAT comes in. A VPAT not only documents your compliance, but it also helps identify critical gaps in your site, so you can prioritize fixes and reduce legal risks before issues escalate.

Demonstrate your accessibility progress

The good news about VPATs? They’re built to show progress. A VPAT isn’t a static, one-and-done report. It’s a point-in-time document that evolves alongside your website as you implement accessibility improvements. With its clear conformance scale—from “Does Not Support” to “Partially Supports” to “Supports”—a VPAT highlights where your site stands today and where it needs to go next. Even if your site isn’t fully compliant yet, that transparency matters. A well-crafted VPAT includes remediation plans for any shortcomings, helping you stay accountable while demonstrating a genuine commitment to continuing toward accessibility. 

From compliance to credibility

Meeting accessibility mandates is just the beginning of creating a truly inclusive digital experience. Evolving your VPAT toward a “Supports” or near-compliant status and requesting compliant VPATs from prospective vendors sends a clear message to staff, clients, and partners: your organization is committed to web solutions that welcome everyone. This not only boosts trust—it positions you as a leader in accessibility best practices. And as standards evolve and technologies shift, your website and VPAT must be regularly reviewed and updated to reflect ongoing improvements. That’s how you turn compliance into long-term impact.

Accessibility isn’t just a compliance checkbox—it’s a commitment to creating a better, more inclusive web experience for everyone. Whether or not your organization is subject to federal mandates, documenting accessibility through a VPAT shows that you take digital inclusion seriously. 

Download a free VPAT template to get started, or connect with Jennifer Savino, KW2’s CEO, to learn how our accessibility review services can help you assess, improve, and communicate your progress with confidence.